Calling upon: meaning, definitions and examples

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calling upon

 

[ ˈkɔːlɪŋ əˈpɒn ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

communication

To ask for help, support, or action from someone or something.

Synonyms

appeal to, request, summon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
calling upon

Used in formal or urgent situations when asking someone to do something, often invoking authority or a shared responsibility.

  • The president is calling upon all citizens to remain calm during the crisis
  • The charity organization is calling upon volunteers to assist in the relief efforts
appeal to

Used when making a serious, heartfelt request, often for help or a favor; usually involves an emotional or moral plea.

  • The campaign appeals to the public to donate to the disaster relief fund
  • She appealed to him to stay and talk things over
summon

Used in formal or authoritative contexts to order someone to come or be present; can have a negative or commanding connotation.

  • The manager summoned the employee to discuss the complaint
  • The king summoned his advisors for an urgent meeting
request

Used in general situations for asking politely or formally for something; neutral tone.

  • He sent a request for an extension on the project deadline
  • Please submit a request if you need additional resources

Examples of usage

  • During the crisis, the government was calling upon its citizens to volunteer and help with relief efforts.
  • The team captain called upon her teammates to give their best performance in the upcoming match.
Context #2 | Verb

formal request

To formally request or demand something.

Synonyms

entreat, petition, urge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
calling upon

Formal or official situations where one needs to request the presence or action of someone, often used in speeches or official requests.

  • The president is calling upon all citizens to remain calm in this difficult time.
  • We are calling upon you to lend your expertise to this important project.
petition

Used when formally making a request, often written and signed by many people, typically to an authority or higher power.

  • The employees signed a petition for better working conditions.
  • They petitioned the city council to improve public transportation.
urge

Implies a strong, insistent push towards action, often used in persuasive contexts.

  • Health experts urge people to get vaccinated.
  • I urge you to reconsider your decision for the sake of the team.
entreat

Implies a heartfelt, earnest request, often used in emotional or literary contexts.

  • He would entreat his friends to stay a little longer.
  • She entreated him to reconsider his decision.

Examples of usage

  • The shareholders called upon the company to disclose more information about its financial situation.
  • The organization called upon the authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Translations

Translations of the word "calling upon" in other languages:

🇵🇹 invocar

🇮🇳 आह्वान करना

🇩🇪 aufrufen

🇮🇩 memanggil

🇺🇦 закликати

🇵🇱 wzywać

🇯🇵 呼びかける (yobikakeru)

🇫🇷 invoquer

🇪🇸 invocar

🇹🇷 çağırmak

🇰🇷 호소하다 (hoseohada)

🇸🇦 يطلب (yatlub)

🇨🇿 vyvolávat

🇸🇰 vyvolávať

🇨🇳 呼吁 (hūyù)

🇸🇮 pozivati

🇮🇸 kalla á

🇰🇿 шақыру

🇬🇪 მოწოდება (motsodeba)

🇦🇿 çağırmaq

🇲🇽 invocar

Etymology

The phrase 'calling upon' originated from Middle English, where 'calling' referred to summoning or requesting and 'upon' indicated direction or target. Over time, it evolved to encompass both formal requests and appeals for help or action. The term is commonly used in various contexts, from communication to formal petitions, to indicate the act of asking for assistance, support, or action.